Muhammad Ali is reported to be in grave condition

Muhammad Ali’s family is at his bedside in a Phoenix hospital and two sources close to the legendary former heavyweight champion told the Los Angeles Times that the situation is “very grave.”

Ali, who’s suffered from Parkinson’s disease for more than 20 years, was hospitalized Thursday with a respiratory illness. He reportedly was placed on life support Friday.

The boxing officials close to Ali and in contact with his family spoke on condition of anonymity out of respect to the three-time heavyweight champion and sports icon.

One of the officials said Ali’s condition has deteriorated to the point that an individual close to the situation has said “it could be hours” before his passing.

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Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali stands over fallen challenger Sonny Liston, shouting after knocking him down with a short, hard right to the jaw during their bout in Lewiston, Maine, on May 25, 1965.  (John Rooney / Associated Press)

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Muhammad Ali trains in London in 1966.   (Wesley / Getty Images)

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Heavyweight champion Sonny Liston, left, and Muhammad Ali exchange punches during their first fight in Miami on Feb. 25, 1964. Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, defeated Liston by technical knockout in the seventh round to claim the title.  (Hulton Deutsch / Allsport)

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Muhammad Ali, right, punches George Foreman in the head during their heavyweight title bout in Zaire on Oct. 30, 1974.  (Ed Kolenovsky / Associated Press)

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Muhammad Ali watches as the flame climbs up to the Olympic torch while taking part in the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.  (Doug Mills / Associated Press)

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